Today UUMC’s Mission and Social Justice Team presents Bread for the World’s Offering of Letters. We can advocate for A Healthier STL by writing letters to policymakers urging them to prioritize pathways out of hunger and poverty.

Every year, United Methodist partner Bread for the World invites churches and community groups across the country to take up an offering—not of money, but of letters. People of faith write their political leaders asking them to support legislation that helps people who are hungry and struggling with poverty.

Writing a personal message is simple and can take only a few minutes. We have presented a sample letter that you can sign or copy. If you prefer, you can write your own letter. Follow these steps for an effective letter:

1. Ask for a specific action, in your own words or with this example: “I urge you to make funding decisions that put us on track toward ending hunger by 2030.”

2. Mention a specific bill or proposal (if applicable).

3. Give reasons for your request. Show your own commitment to ending hunger. Share a personal reason that motivated you to write. Letters with personal stories are compelling and effective.

4. Write your name and address at the end of your letter and on the envelope so that the recipient knows you are one of their constituents.

You can bring your letters back to University UMC on 11/19 or 11/26. Place your letters in the offering plate and we will deliver them to the addressed recipient. If you are registered in St. Louis voter, you can write to US Senator Roy Blunt, US Senator Claire McCaskill, US Representative Lacy Clay or US Representative Ann Wagner, or MO Governor Eric Greitens. If you want to write to someone else (e.g., if you are a citizen of another state or country), please include recipient’s full name and address (including country), so that we can make sure it gets to the right recipient.